Penn State coach James Franklin met with the media on Thursday evening to discuss the latest news about his program as fall camp rolls on.
Franklin touched on his team’s improving injury status, as well as key position battles on both sides of the ball.
Injury list
Last season, the Nittany Lions sustained heavy wear and tear as the group battled through the longest season in program history. Safety Kevin Winston Jr., tight end Andrew Rappleyea, wide receiver Kaden Saunders, right tackle Anthony Donkoh, running back Cam Wallace, quarterback Jaxon Smolik, defensive tackle Alonzo Ford Jr., defensive end Zuriah Fisher and linebacker Keon Wylie all suffered season-ending injuries in 2024.
Additionally, star running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen were both banged up throughout the middle of the season, with an evident decrease in yards per carry, while defensive end Abdul Carter injured his shoulder in the College Football Playoff.
This year, the injury list is shrinking as fall camp progresses.
“Yeah, it’s just unusual. Usually you start and you’re in good shape and it grows, and we’re going in the opposite direction,” Franklin said.
In order to lessen the workload, Penn State adjusted its offseason training plan, shortening practice, reducing reps and taking other precautions as recommended by strength coach Chuck Losey and Director of Performance Science Andrew Nelson.
A good problem to have
One player back from injury is Donkoh, who started the first 11 games last season before going down against Minnesota. In his stead, Wisconsin transfer Nolan Rucci stepped up and saw significant improvement, playing well throughout the team’s postseason run.
Now, Penn State has to decide where to fit Donkoh into the rotation, a situation that’s still undecided, per Franklin, who’s “not ready to make a decision.”
“(Donkoh has) looked good. He’s a talented guy, as you know,” Franklin said. “He’s athletic enough to play tackle, but he’s also 323 pounds, so he’s got enough physical size, strength, power to get movement at guard, you know?”
With Drew Shelton returning at left tackle, Vega Ioane at left guard and Nick Dawkins at center, it’s possible Donkoh kicks in to right guard. However, sophomore Cooper Cousins has turned heads since arriving on campus and will push for a starting role this season as well, with the ability to play anywhere on the interior.
Secondary battles
The secondary is home to some of Penn State’s fiercest position battles, with a number of players competing for limited snaps this season. A.J. Harris returns as the Nittany Lions’ top cornerback option, but with Jalen Kimber off to the NFL, there’s at least one starting spot up for grabs, with the nickel also in contention.
“There’s battles all over the place,” Franklin said. “(Audavion Collins) has had a really good camp. Elliot Washington has had a really good camp. We got really good options.”
Zion Tracy gathered experience as the nickel — or “Lion” — last season under Tom Allen, before safety Jaylen Reed took over the role. Tracy’s back in contention, but Franklin said redshirt freshman Kenny Woseley Jr. is also vying for the role.
With Reed heading to the NFL, Franklin said safeties King Mack and Dejuan Lane have been battling to start alongside veteran Zakee Wheatley.
“Again, not sure how it’s going to play out, but they’ve all earned the trust of their teammates, as well as the coaching staff,” Franklin said.
Position switch
Enai White was seen practicing with the defensive tackles as opposed to the defensive ends, and Franklin confirmed the position switch. The move provides depth at a position of need, while the defensive end room still maintains good depth.
“I think long term, it’s his best position in terms of being able to play the game as long as he can,” Franklin said. “It’s something that we think can help him and help us.”
It’s unclear where White slots in on the depth chart, but he’ll likely see time this season in a rotational role after transferring in from Texas A&M this offseason.
